C&.^-145S 


Duke  University   Libraries 

Report  of  Major 
Conf  Pam  #470 

DTTD7TT37A 


HEFORT 


OF 


i 


M/VJOR  GENERAL  LORING, 


OF 


BATTLE  OF   BAKER'S  OREEK, 


AND 


SUBSEQUENT  MOVEMENTS  OF  HIS  COMMAND. 


PUBLISHED   BY  ORDER  OF  CONGRESS. 


RICHMOND  : 

R.  M.  SillTU,  PUHLIC  PRINTED 
1864 


MESSAGE  OF  THE  PRESIDENT. 

>  ■ 

Richmond,  Va.,  Jan.  26,  1S61. 
To  the  Senate  and  House  of  R  preseniatives  : 

I  herewith  transmit,  for  your  information,  a  communication  from 
the  Secretary  of  War,  covering  a  copy  of  an  additional  report  of 
military  operations  during  the  last  year. 

JEFFERSON  DAVIS. 


COMMUNICATION  FROM  SECRETARY  OF  WAR. 


Confederate  States  of  America,  \ 

War  Department,  > 

Richmond,  Va.,  Jan.  26,  1864.  ) 

To  the  President  of  the  Confederate  States  : 

Sm  :  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith,  for  the  information -of 
Congress,  copies  of  the  reports  of  Major  General  Loving  and  his  sul'- 
ordinate  officers  of  the  battle  of  Baker's  Creek  and  the  subsequen; 
movements  of  his  command. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  A.  SEDDON, 

Secretary  of  War. 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 
in  2010  witii  funding  from 
Dul<e  University  Libraries 


littp://www.arcliive.org/details/reportofmajorgenOOIori 


BATTLE  OF  BAKER'S  CREEK. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  LORING. 


Canton,  Mississippi,  October  30,  1863. 

Colonel  B,  S.  Ewell, 

Assistant  Adjutant   General : 

Colonel  :  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  the  reports  of  operations  of 
my  division,  during  the  campaign  just  closed  in  this  department.  I 
have  been  delayed  in  sending  them,  because  of  uninterrupted  duties 
in  the  field  and  having  been  subsequently  ordered  to  attend  a  court  of 
inquiry.     I  have  had  no  time  before  this. 

With  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

W.  W.  LORING, 
Major  General  commanding. 


Headquarters  Loring's  Division,      ) 
Forrest  Mississippi^  August  27,   1863.  5 

Colonel  B.  S.  Ewell, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Colonel:  I  respectfully  state  that  I  was  ordered,  on  the  night  of 
the  1  st  of  May,  to  move,  with  two  regiments  and  a  battery,  from  Jack- 
son to  Port  Gibson,  by  the  way  of  Edwards'  depot. 

On  the  2d  of  May,  while  passing  within  a  few  miles  of  Grind-stone 
ford,  on  the  Bayou  Pierre,  we  learned  from  a  citizen,  that  General 
Bowcn,  in  command  of  a  small  force,  had  disputed  the  road  to  Pofl^ 
Gibson,  and  was  repulsed  by  an  overwhelming  force  of  the  enem^P 
with  heavy  loss  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  and  that  after 
crossing,  had  destroyed  the  bridge  over  the  Bayou  Pierre  opposite  the 
town.  We  also  learned  that  the  enemy  was  advancing  towards  the 
ford,  with  the  view  of  cutting  off  Bowen's  retreat.  The  two  regi- 
ments and  battery  with  us  were   at  once  ordered  to   the   ford,  with 


directions  to  hoIJ  it.  The  admiraLle  manner  in  which  Culoriel  A.  E. 
lle^noKIs  performed  this  duty,  prevented  the  success  of  the  flank 
movement. 

Upon  arriving  at  General  Bowen'a  camp,  between  the  Bayou  Pierre 
and  Grand  Gulf,  we  learned  that  he  had  made  a  galhint  defence,  but 
was  compelled  to  fall  back,  as  stated;  that  his  reinforcements  carae 
too  late  and  in  too  small  numbers  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  landing 
and  afterwards  advancing.  His  information  satisfied  him  that  they 
had  a  force  of  near  fifty  thousand,  and  that  while  a  portion  was 
threatening  hisi  front,  a  large  command  was  marching  to  the  Grind- 
stone fori  for  the  purpose  of  turning  him.  I  advised  an  immediate 
movement  to  save  the  command,  then  about  five  thousand  strong. 
General  Bowen  informed  me  that  in  this  opinion  he  concurred,  and 
Lad  deferred  the  movement  until  my  arrival.  Time  baing  all  import- 
ant, at  my  request,  he  issued  orders  for  a  speedy  departure.  During 
thft  night  1  was  informed  that  a  dispatch  had  come  directing  what  had 
already  commenced.  The  admirable  manner  in  which  the  orders  were 
executed,  enabled  the  command,  in  good  order,  to  move  out  with  its 
baggage,  destroying  all  else  that  could  not  be  carried  away.  In  the 
couise  of  the  early  morning,  it  reached  the  cross-roads,  and  soon  after 
commenced  the  passage  of  Big  Black  river,  in  accordance  with  orders. 
In  the  meantime,  the  enemy  was  at  the  ford  in  heavy  force,  the  com- 
mand placed  there  holding  them  in  check.  General  Tilghman,  with 
an  additional  brigade,  was  ordered  to  protect  the  column  in  its  move- 
ment to  the  river,  aided  by  General  Lee.  >  This  was  handsomely  done, 
and  we  were  enabled  successfully  to  cross  it.  Near  here  and  on  both 
sides  of  the  river  we  found  the  remainder  of  Stevenson's  division. 
After  all  had  crossed,  my  division  was  ordered  to  Bovina,  near  the 
railroad,  where  it  arrived  on  the  4tli  of  May. 
With  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

W.  W.  LORING, 
Major  General  commanding,  d'C. 


Headquarters  Camp  Forf.st,  Miss., 

August  28th,  1863. 

Colonel  B.  S.  Ewell, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

»*    Colonel  :  I  have   the  honor  to  forward,  through  you,  a  detailed 
tatement  of  the  operations  of  my  division   at  the  battle  of  Biker's 
Creek,  and  my  movements  consequent  upon  it  : 

On  the  13th  of  May,  General  Bowen,  in  command  of  his  division, 
having  reported  the  enemy  advancing,  I  was  ordered  to  reinforce  him 
with  ray  division ;  General  Stevenson  soon  after  coming  up  with  his 
division,  a  very  strong  position  wag  selected,  about  one  mile  south  of 


EJwards'  depot,  our  left  resting  on  the  railroad,  and  tlie  riglit  not  far 
from  Baker's  Creek.  On  the  morning  of  the  14th,  General  Pember- 
ton  ordered  a  council  of  war,  in  which  he  read  a  di?patch  from  Gen- 
eral Johnston,  which  stated,  in  substance,  that  the  enemy  (two  or 
three  divisions)  was  at  Clinton,  nine  miles  from  Jackson,  and  (if 
General  Pembertm  thought  it  practicable)  advised  a  movement  in 
connection  with  him,  sajing  thixt  time  was  all-important.  In  the 
council  of  war  there  was  great  diversity  of  opinion.  Two  Generals 
were  for  moving  at  once  upon  the  road  to  Clinton.  Two  or  three 
were  for  remaining  or  moving  back.  Three  were  for  striking  at  the 
communications  of  che  enemy,  keeping  our  own  open  with  the  bridge 
over  Big  Black  river,  and  fighting,  or  not,  in  a  position  of  our  own 
choosing,  as  would  seem  best 

I  understood  the  opinion  of  the  General  commanding  to  be,  that 
he  did  not  approve  the  move  proposed  by  General  Johnston,  but 
coincided  with  those  who  were  for  moving  to  the  enemy's  ifar. 
It  was  determined  by  the  General  to  move  at  eight  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  (loth  instant,)  the  army  intending  to  cross  Baker's  Creek  at 
a  ford,  which  was  prevented  by  its  swollen  condition.  It  was,  how- 
ever, put  in  motion  about  three  or  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  crossing  the 
creek  upon  a  bridge  a  short  distance  above  the  ford.  A  map  was  fur- 
nished, marking  the  road  upon  which  the  army  was  to  march,  my  di- 
vision being  in  the  advance.  After  moving  four  or  five  miles,  we 
were  joined  by  Major  Lockett,  chief  engineer,  who  directed  the  col-, 
umn  to  take  a  cross  road  leading  to  Mrs.  Ellison's  house,  on  the  mid- 
dle Raymond  road.  At  this  place  the  army  was  to  have  encamped, 
it  having  been  discovered  that  the  road  which  it  was  intended  the  en- 
tire force  should  follow,  was  wrongly  laid  down  upon  the  map  fur- 
nished. About  daik  my  division  reached  Mrs.  Ellison's,  and  found  a 
great  scarcity  of  water.  This  information  was  at  once  comuranicatcd 
to  General  Pemberton,  80  that  he  might  make  some  other  disposition 
of  the  forces  which  were  following.  After  dark,  it  fortunately  hap- 
pened that  the  other  divisions  were  still  upon  the  road  leading  from 
the  bridge,  and  encamped  along  it  in  their  line  of  march.  It  was  still 
more  fortunate  that  my  command  was  upon  the  middle  Raymond  road, 
which  led  immediately  to  the  ford  at  which  the  army  was  to  have 
crossed  in  the  morning  ;  upon  this  road  the  enemy  was  in  largo  force 
■within  a  few  miles  of  my  camp.  Being  satisfied  of  this  from  piison- 
ers,  taken,  and  from  observations  of  several  of  my  etalT  sent  in  ad- 
vance, very  large  picket  forces  were  placed  in  my  front,  rear  and 
right  flank.  Completing  my  dispositions,  I  soon  after  met  General 
Pemberton,  to  whom  information  of  the  near  proximity  of  the  enemy 
in  large  force  was  given;  additional  information  was  subsequently 
given  him,  establishing   the  fact  that  he  was  in  our  immediate  front. 

This  was  the  condition  of  things  until  seven  or  eight  o'clock  next 
moraing,  (16th,)  when  the  General  informed  us  that  he  had  a  note 
from  General  Johnston,  advising  a  junction  with  him  in  the  direction 
of  Boonsville,  his  f^^rce  having  fallen  back  from  Jackson.  This  ne- 
cessitated a  movement  towards  Edwards'  depot.  The  General  then 
gave  an  order  for  tho  train,  which  ha'd  not  coaie   up,  to  retrace  its 


8 

steps.  Pending  this,  it  is  said,  the  enemy  "vras  in  line  of  battle,  pre- 
paring to  attack  us.  Moving  rapidly  upon  my  pickets,  he  opened  a 
brisk  cannonade.  I  suggested  to  General  Pemberton  that  the  sooner 
he  formed  a  line  of  battle,  the  better,  as  the  enemy  would  very  soon 
be  upon  us.  He  at  first  directed  me  to  form  Tilghman's  brigade  in  a 
line  of  battle  upon  the  ground  it  then  occupied,  but  soon  thought  it 
untenable,  and  ordered  it,  with  Featherston's  and  Buford's  brigades, 
(my  whole  division,)  into  a  line  of  battle  on  a  ridge  about  three  quar- 
ters of  a  mile  in  the  rear,  and  across  a  small  creek.  This  line  was 
almost  immediately  changed  for  a  ridge  still  further  back,  where  my 
artillery  v,-as  advantageously  posted  on  both  sides  of  the  road,  the 
field  to  the  front  being  entirely  open  as  far  as  Mrs.  Ellison's  house. 
He  also  directed  the  division  to  occupy  the  road,  and  the  country  to 
the  right  of  it,  and,  in  orders,  conveyed  to  me  at  different  times  during 
the  day,  he  instructed  me  to  hold  my  position,  not  attacking  the 
enemy  unless  he  attempted  to  outflank  us.  Bowen's  command  was 
extended  so  as  to  join  mine  on  the  road.  Soon  a  series  of  orders 
came,  specifically  and  with  great  particularity,  for  two  of  my  brig- 
ades to  move  to  the  left,  closing  the  line  as  often  as  Bowen  moved, 
and  we,  in  this  manner,  followed  him.  During  this  time,  I  received 
an  order  to  retire,  also  one  to  advancg,  both  of  which  were  counter- 
manded. My  whole  division,  including  reserves,  was  strung  out  in 
line  of  battle,  mostly  in  thick  timber.  The  enemy,  during  these, 
movements,  remained  steadily  in  front,  in  heavy  force,  being  appar- 
ently a  full  corps,  occupying  a  series  of  ridges,  wooded  and  command- 
ing each  other,  forming,  naturally,  a  very  strong,  if  not  impregnable 
position,  throwing  forward  a  heavy  line  of  skirmishers,  and  showing 
every  indication  of  an  attack  in  force  upon  my  position,  both  in  front 
and  upon  the  right  flank.  General  Bowen  also  informed  me  that  he 
thought  the  enemy  was  moving  to  the  right. 

While  these  movements  were  going  on,  (all  of  which  were  brought 
to  the  General's  attention,)  desultory  firing  was  heard  on  the  extreme 
left,  and  General  Bowen  was  summarily  ordered  in  that  direction, 
without  warning  either  to  myself  or  to  General  Buford,  commanding 
a  brigade-  of  my  division  next  to  him.  Not  long  after,  I  was  ordered 
to  send  a  brigade  to  the  left,  and  General  Buford  went  at  a  double- 
quick.  While  passing  Bowen,  two  regiments  were  detached  and  went 
into  the  fight  with  that  command,  Buford  continuing  on  the  left. 
[See  his  report  annexed.]  In  a  half  or  three-quarters  of  an  hour 
one  brigade  was  ordered  to  be  left  on  the  road,  and  the  other  to  be 
taken  by  myself  to  the  left.  This  was  most  earnestly  requested  to  be 
done  by  Colonel  Withers,  in  command  of  the  artillery,  who  feared  the 
capture  of  his  guns.  He  tells  mo  that  he  was  gratified  in  being  able 
to  state  that  my  force  arrived  sooner  than  he  expected,  and  in  time  to 
save  hi^  artillery.  But  for  our  prompt  arrival  every  piece  would  have 
been  lost,  as  the  whole  sustaining  force  had,  except  a  few  bold  skir- 
mishers, been  driven  back. 

Upon  the  approach  of  Featherston's  brigade,  in  rapid  march,  a 
considerable  force  of  the  retifeating  army  having  been  rallied  behind 
him,  the  enemy,  who  was  advancing  upon  the  artillery,  fell  back  in 


great  disorder,  Colonel  Withers  pouring  in  a  most  destructive  fire 
upon  hira.  It  was  here  that  we  witnessed  a  scene  ever  to  be  remem- 
bered. Here  the  gallant  Withers  and  his  brave  men,  with  their  fine  park 
of  artillery,  stood,  unflinchingly,  amid  a  shower  of  shot  and  shell, 
awaiting  the  approach  of  an  enemy  in  overwhelming  force,  after  his 
supports  had  been  driven  back,  and  trusting  that  a  succoring  com- 
mand would  arrive  in  time  to  save  his  batteries,  and  displaying  a 
degree  of  courage  and  determination  that  calls  for  the  most  unquali- 
fied admiration.  Upon  my  arrival  upon  this  part  of  the  field,  1  found 
the  whole  country  on  both  sides  of  the  road  covered  with  the  flying 
of  our  army,  in  many  cases  in  large  squads,  and,  as  there  was  no  one 
endeavoring  to  rally  or  direct  them,  I  at  once  placed  my  escort  under 
an  efficient  officer  of  my  staff,  with  orders  to  g;ither  up  the  stragglers 
and  those  in  retreat  away  from  the  road.  This  duty  was  performed  with 
great  energy  and  success.  It  was  also  determined  that,  under  theso 
circumstances,  it  was  necessary,  in  order  to  save  large  numbers  o£ 
men  and  guns,  as  well  as  to  be  able,  in  case  the  emergency  should 
arise,  to  retire  the  army  in  safety  and  good  order  to  the  ford  over 
Baker's  Creek,  along  the  only  road  open  to  it,  that  a  vigorous  and 
•well-directed  attack  should  be  made  upon  the  enemy.  At  this  moment 
I  met  General  Lee  and  Colonel  VVithers,  and  was  satisfied  from 
information  obtained  from  them,  that  by  such  an  attack  upon  the 
enemy's  right,  during  the  panic  which  had  befallen  his  centre,  we 
could  overwhelm  it,  retrieve  the  day,  certainly  cut  him  off  from  the 
bridge  on  our  extreme  left,  of  which  it  was  highly  important  we 
should  hold  possession,  and  save  our  scattered  forces.  Dispositions 
were  at  once  made  for  the  attack,  in  which  General  Lee  lent  a  cordial 
and  able  assistance.  This  fine  officer,  with  General  Green,  and  por- 
tions of  their  gallant  brigades,  we  found  fighting  the  enemy  where 
all  ethers,  except  the  brave  Withers  had  been  driven  back,  and  con- 
testing every  step  of  the  enemy's  advancing  columns.  Green  declar- 
ing that  he  never  would  have  been  driven  back,  but  for  the  fact  that 
he  had  not  a  cartridge  left. 

While  thus  engaged,  I  received  an  order  for  the  forces  to  fall  back, 
and  my  assistant  adjutant  general,  who  had  been  dispatched  to  Gene- 
ral Pemberton  for  orders,  returned,  stating  that  the  General  said  that 
the  movement  must  not  be  made — that  I  must  order  a  retreat  and 
bring  up  the  rear.  Officers  were  immediately  sent  to  advise  those  not 
yet  informed  to  retire,  and  as  rapidly  ag  possible,  in  the  direction  of 
the  ford,  that  being  the  only  road  left  open.  As  soon  as  the  enemy 
realized  that  we  were  leaving  the  field,  he  rallied  and  moved  forward 
in  heavy  force.  In  the  meantime,  Featherston's  brigade  was  put  into 
position  to  protect  the  rear  of  the  retreating  forces,  and  to  cover  the 
falling  back  of  Buford's  brigade.  This  duty  was  ably  and  gallantly 
executed.  This  latter  brigade  (Buford's)  about  this  time  met  a  charge 
of  the. enemy's  infantry,  cavalry  and  artillery,  and  repulsed  him  in 
splendid  style  with  great  slaughter.  The  heavy  fighting  being  done 
by  the  twelfth  Louisiana,  a  large  regiment,  under  the  able  and  daring 
Scott.  This  and  the  gallant  Goodwin's  thirty-fifth  Alabama  regiment 
had  also  distinguished  themselves   in   the   charge   upon   the   enemy's 


10 

centre  ;  and,  aliout  this  time,  the  brave  Baker,  of  the  thirty-fourth 
Akbama,  wrs  severely  wounded  in  another  part  of  theiield.  During 
this  time,  Tilghman,  who  had  been  left  with  his  brigade  upon  the 
other  road,  almost  immediately  after  our  parting,  met  a  terrible  assault 
of  the  enemy,  and,  Avhen  we  rejoined  him,  was  carrying  on  a  deadly 
and  most  gallant  fight.  With  loss  than  fifteen  hundred  effective  men, 
he  was  attacked  by  from  six  to  eight  thousand  of  the  enemy,  with  a 
fine  park  of  artillery,  but,  being  advantageously  posted,  he -not  only 
held  him  in  check,  but  repulsed  him  on  several  occasions,  and  thus 
kept  open  the  only  line  of  retreat  left  to  the  army.  The  bold  stand 
of  this  brigade,  under  the  lamented  hero,  saved  a  large  portion  of  tho 
array.  It  is  befitting  that  I  should  speak  of  the  death  of  the  gallant 
and  accomplished  Tilghman.  Quick  and  bold  in  the  e.tecution  of  his. 
plans,  he  fell  iu  the  midst  of  a  brigade  that  loved  him  well,  after 
repulsng  a  powerful  enemy  in  deadly  fight,  struck  by  a  cannon  shot. 
A  biigade  Avept  over  the  dying  hero — alike  beautiful  as  it  was  touch- 
ing!- I  had,  some  time  before  this,  sent  an  Adjutant  to  General  Pom- 
berton,  and,  subsequently,  another  to  ascertain  how  his  retreating 
forces  were  progressing,  but,  having  left  the  field,  it  was  impossible 
to  communicate  with  him.  The  officer,  on  his  return,  informed  me 
that  he  had  met  General  Bowen  at  the  ford,  who  had  requested  him 
to  say  to  me  :  "For  God's  sake,  hold  your  position  until  sundown,  and 
save  the  army."  lie  could  hold  the  ford  and  the  bridge  was  safe.  I 
had  scarcely  received  this  message  when  General  Bowen  sent  me  a 
written  communication,  stating  that  the  enemy  had  crossed  the  bridge 
and  had  outflanked  him,  that  he  had  been  compelled  precipitately  to 
fall  back,  and  that  I  must  do  siy  best  to  save  my  division.  I  also 
received  a  note  from  Lieutenant  Colonel  Jacob  'J'hompson  to  the  same 
import.  We  at  once  made  a  movement  toward  the  ford,  there  being 
no  other  road  of  retreat.  There  being  none  on  my  left  that  I  could 
use,  and  being  wholly  unacquainted  with  the  country,  my  only  guide 
l;aving  been  taken  by  General  Pemberton  to  direct  him  to  Big  Black 
bridge,  my  first  determination  was  to  force  my  way  through  by  the 
ford,  and  rode  rapidly  to  reconnoitre,  arriving  there  it  was  found  that 
our  troops  were  gone,  some  of  them  having  been  driven  back  upon  us. 
The  enemy's  skirmishers  were  advancing,  uud  a  heavy  force  occupied 
the  commanding  ridge  across  the  creek,  his  artillery  playing  upon  the 
crossings.  The  enemy  upon  our  right  flai^k  and  rear  had  been  rein- 
forced, so  that  we  were  enveloped  upon  three  sides,  leaving  no  road  lo 
move  upon. 

Not  far  from  ray  place  of  observation,  I  met  Dr.  Williamson,  a 
highly  respectable  gentleman  of  Edwards'  depot,  who  sail  he  knew 
the  whole  country,  and  thought  he  could  take  me  to  a  ford  on  Baker's 
Creek,  three  or  four  miles  below.  By  this  time  darkness  was  ap- 
proaching. I  at  once  decided  upon  this  move.  By  a  well  concerted 
movement  we  eluded  the  enemy  upon  three  sides,  and,  to  his  aston- 
ishment, made  our  flank  march  from  between  his  forces  across  the 
fields  to  a  given  point  in  the  woods  skirting  Baker's  Creek.  The 
night  being  dark,  and  the  trail  a  blind  one,  it  was  found  impossible 
to   get  through  by  folioAving  the  creek.     Ii  was  then  deterjiiined  to 


11 

move  across  to  anotlier  road,  and  reach  the  ford  in  that  direction. 
My  command  being  compelled  to  move  back  upon  the  ground  where 
the  battle  was  fought,  passed  the  enemy's  camp  fives,  and  at  times  our 
small  parties  were  near  enough  to  hear  them.  The  unu«ed  planta- 
tion roada,  upon  which  we  moved,  were  in  such  bad  condition  as  to 
render  it  impossible  to  carry  our  artillery  over  them,  and  we  were 
obliged  to  destroy  that  which  we  had  with  our  commands,  bringing 
the  horses  and  harness  with  us,  the  balance  having  gone  with  the 
army  into  "N'^ioksburg.  '  Soon  after  striking  the  timber,  we  discovered 
Edwards'  depot  and  Withers'  gin-house  on  fire,  which  convinced  us 
that  our  forces  had  passed  those  points,  but  as  we  were  led  to  believe 
that  wc  could  reach  the  lower  ford  in  Ihree  or  four  miles,  it  was  hoped 
that  we  could  pass  in  between  Edwards'  depot  and  Big  Biack  bridge 
and  rejoin  the  array.  Instead  of  three  or  four,  it  was  ten  or  twelve 
miles  -before  my  command  reached  the  Lower  Raymond  road,  which 
led  to  the  ford,  and  then  it  was  after  midaight.  My  guide,  Dr.  vVil- 
liamson,  informed  us  that  it  w"as  impossible  to  guide  the  division  to 
Big  Black  bridge  with  the  enemy  in  possession  of  Edvjirds'  depot, 
which  we  were  convinced  he  had  held  for  several  hours,  but  refcrr3d 
us  to  a  gentleman  by  the  name  of  Vaughn,  who  lived  within  a  mile  of 
the  road.  I  went  to  his  house,  and  brought  him  to  th?  column,  to 
consult  with  my  generals,  and  proposed  that  he  should  take  us  to  Big 
Black  river,  lie  declared  that  it  was  impossible,  as  all  the  lower 
fords  over  Baker's  Creek  were  swimming,  and  that  to  Big  Black  bridge 
he  could  not  take  us  without  moving  through  the  enemy's  lines  at 
Edwards'  depot.  lie  also  informed  us  that  a  large  force  of  the  enemy 
had  that  day  passed  by  his  house.  It  was  known  that  the  enemy 
had  troops  at  all  ferries  over  Big  Black  below  the  mouth  of  Baker's 
Creek,  and  that  the  river  was  a  deep  and  difficult  stream  to  cross. 
l"hc  condition  of  the  command  was  also  taken  into  consideration  ; 
being  without  artillery,  with  but  few  rounds  of  cartriGgcs,  having  no 
implements  for  the  immediate  construction  of  a  bridge  or  ferry;  our 
entire  train  having  gone  into  Vicksburg,  and  being  without  supplies 
of  any  kind,  also  the  distance  to  the  river  was  so  great  that  it  would 
have  been  impossible  to  have  reached  it  until  late  next  day.  when  the 
enemy  was  sure  to  have  been  posted  to  prevent  crossing.  After  a  full 
consultation  with  ray  brigadiers,  all  of  us  were  of  the  opinion  that  it 
was  imposible  to  attempt  the  passage  of  Big  Black  at  any  point,  and 
in  doing  so  the  entire  division  would  certainly  be  lost.  Subsequent 
events  have  fully  shown  that  v«'e  were  right  in  this  determination.  It 
was  then  determined  to  force  the  rear  of  the  enemy  between  llay;iiond 
and  Utica. 

On  the  evening  of  the  17th,  ray  command,  after  a  hard  march, 
reached  Crystal  t^pring,  a  village  on  the  New  Orleans  and  Jackson 
railroad,  twenty-five  miles  south  of  Jackson.  O.i  the  1 9th,  reached 
Jackson,  with  ray  entire  division,  few  lingering  by  the  w  ly,  and  im- 
mediately reported  to  General  Johnston,  who  expressed  his  gratifica- 
tion that  my  command  had  safely  arrived. 

<)t"  Generals  Feathorston  and  Buford,  and  Colonel  A.  E.  Reynolds, 
cooainanding  brigades,  whose  reports  are  herewith  annexed,  too  much 


12 

cannot  be  said  in  commendation.  The  rapidity  and  skill  with  which 
they  executed  their  orders,  and  the  boldness  with  which  their  gallant 
commands  met  and  successfully  repulsed  the  powerful  attack  of  the 
enemy,  delaying  the  Yankee  army  and  securing  a  safe  retreat  to  ours 
across  the  ford,  entitles  them  to  the  highest  praise,  and  finally  in  lend- 
ing themselves  a  sacrifice,  enveloped  as  they  were  upon  three  sides — 
front,  right  flank  and  rear — undismayed,  with  a  proud  consciousness 
of  having  done  their  whole  duty,  they  withdrew  in  good  order  from 
under  fire,  in  face  of  the  enemy,  and  thus  we  were  enabled  to  make 
the  dangerous  but  successful  movement  to  the  left. 

My  stafi".  Captain  Henry  Robinson,  assistant  adjutant  general, 
Captain  Bensley,  chief  of  artillery,  Captain  Mickle,  assistant  quar- 
termaster, Captain  John  D.  Myrick,  Lieutenant  Hanson,  aid-de- 
camp, Captain  Sykes,  aid-de-camp,  Captain  Henry  De  Veuve,  assist- 
ant engineer,  Henry  Taylor  and  William  McFarland,  volunteer  aids. 
Captain  Russell  and  Dr.  Williamson,  guides,  were  continually  under 
fire,  and  bore  themselves,  as  on  other  fields,  with  courage  and  ability. 
With  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

W.  W.  LORING, 
Major  General  commanding,  8fc. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  BUFORD. 

Headquarters  Buford's  Brigade,  Loring's  Division, 

June  16,  1863. 

To  Major  General  Loring, 

Commanding  Division  .* 

General  :  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  opera- 
tions of  my  brigade  (the  third  brigade  of  the  division)  in  and  around 
Edwards'  depot,  on  Saturday,  the  16th  of  May,  1863,  and  on  the 
march  from  Baker's  Creek  to  Jackson,  Mississippi : 

My  brigade  consisted  of  the  following  regiments  :  Twelfth  Lou- 
isiana regiment,  Colonel  Thomas  M.Scott  commanding;  fifty-fourth 
Alabama  regiment.  Colonel  Alphcus  Baker  commanding;  seventh 
Kentucky  regiment,  Colonel  Ed.  Crossland  commanding ;  ninth  Ar- 
kansas regiment,  Colonel  J.  II.  Dunlap  commanding  ;  four  companies 
third  Kentucky  regiment,  Major  J.  II.  Bowman  commanding ;  thirty- 
fifth  Alabama  regiment.  Colonel  Edward  Goodwin  commanding; 
Snodgrass'  Alabama  regiment.  Colonel  John  Snodgrass  commanding, 
and  twenty-seventh  Alabama  regiment.  Colonel  James  Jackson  com- 
manding— making  an  aggregate  of  three  thousand  and  five  effective 
men.  The  Point  Coupee  artillery,  consisting  of  two  companies,  A 
and  C,  four  guns  each,  was  also  attached  to  my  brigade,  under  com- 
mand of  Captain  Bowanchand.  The  eighth  Kentucky  also  belonged 
to  my  command,  but,  having  been  mouunted  two  days  previous,  were 
detached.  We  were  encamped  at  Ratliffe's,  about  half  a  mile 
in  rear  of  Mrs.  Ellison's,  on  the  Raymond  road. 

On  the  evening  of  the  15th  May,  the  thirty-fifth  Alabama  regiment 
■was  detailed  for  picket  duty,  and  was  in  advance  some  two  miles. 

About  eight  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  16  th  May,  the  report  of 
artillery  announced  that  the  enemy  were  advancing  immediately  in 
front  of  the  division,  which  formed  the  right  wing  of  the  army,  (my 
brigade  being  on  the  left  of  the  right  wing.)  Dispositions  were  at 
once  made  to  meet  the  advance,  and  I  was  ordered  to  form  a  line  of 
battle  on  the  ground  on  which  I  had  bivouacked,  it  being  a  covered 
position,  approached  through  an  open  field,  and  quite  defensible.  My 
right  rested  on  the  road,  and  my  left  extended  to  an  open  field,  through 
which  the  cross  road  passed,  on  which  we  had  marched  the  evening 
previous. 

My  line  was  scarcely  formed  when  I  was  ordered  by  Lieutenant 
General  Pemberton  to  advance  and  occupy  the  ground  on  which  Brig- 
adier General  Green,  of  General  Bowen's  division,  had  formed  his 
brigade,  which  was  in  my  front  and  to  the  left.  Informing  you  of  the 
order,  I  advanced  from  the  covered  position  I  held,  and  formed,  as 
ordered,  on  a  commanding  eminence  in  the  middle  of  a  field,  and  over 
which  the  enemy  must  advance.  The  position  was  a  very  strong  one 
and  tenable. 

My  line  had  not  been  entirely  rectified  when  I  received  orders  to- 


14 

fall  back  with  ray  brigade  some  half  a  mile  and  establish  a  line  beyond 
the  junction  of  the  military  roal  Avith  the  road  leading  to  Raymond 
by  Mrs,  Ellison's.  My  right  to  rest  on  the  road, and  extending  to  the 
right  of  General  Bowen's  division.  I  was  here  joined  by  the  thirty- 
fifth  Alabama  regiment,  vrhich  had  been  ordered  to  fall  back  before  the 
enemy.  I  joined  the  line  aa  directed,  which  enabled  me  to  hold  one 
regiment  in  reserve  This  position  was  in  the  midst  of  a  dense  tim- 
ber, opening  on  a  grove  around  the  residence  of  Mr.  Ratliife.  My 
artillery  was  placed  in  position  on  the  right  and  left  of  the  road  by 
Captain  Bensley,  chief  of  artillery  of  division,  and  was  detached  from 
my  command  during  the  day. 

I  had  received  a  request  from  General  Bowen  so  to  alter  my  line 
by  moving  to  the  left  as  to  unite  with  his  right,  as  he  had  moved  to  the 
left  to  join  General  Stevenson's  right.  Informing  you  of  the  request, 
I  was  ordered  to  comply  therewith,  which  I  did,  extending  my  line 
some  six  hundred  yards,  and  throwing  forward  into  line  the  regiment 
I  had  intended  to  hold  in  reserve. 

In  about  twenty  minutes  I  received  information  from  Gen.  Bowen 
that  he  had  advanced  half  a  mile  to  the  left  and  front,  followed  by. an 
order  from  General  Pemberton  to  throw  my  line  forward  so  as  to  rest 
on  the  righti  of  General  Bowen's  position.  Transmitting  the  order 
to  you  for  iDformation,  I  promptly  complied  with  the  same,  my  new 
position  being  about  one  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  my  first  one,  on  a 
line  with  the  skirmishers  of  the  first  and  second  brigades,  my  own 
skirmishers,  (whom  I  had  placed  under  command  of  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Rogers,  of  the  ninth  Arkansas,)  being  some  five  hundred 
yards  in  advance.  I  here  remained  until  about  three  o'clock,  P.  M., 
when,  from  the  heavy  firing  in  the  direction  of  the  left,  it  was  evident 
that  the  enemy  had  massed  his  forces  and  was  throwing  them  on  tho 
left  wing  of  the  army.  About  that  time  I  was  informed  that  General 
Bowen's  division  had  been  moved  still  further  to  the  left,  and  I  was 
ordered  bj  you  to  proceed  without  delay  to  the  left  of  Gen.  Bowen's 
division.  1  placed  my  brigade  at  once  in  motion,  by  the  left  flank 
and  at  the  double-quick.  My  command  double-quicked  the  distance, 
-about  two  miles,  under  a  scorching  sun,  through  corn  and  rye  fields, 
in  about  half  an  hour.  When  1  arrived  about  the  rear  of  the  right 
wing  of  General  Bowen's  division,  which  was  falling  back  in  disorder 
before  an  overpowering  force  of  the  enemy,  I  was  ordered  by  General 
Pemberton  to  hold  the  road  immediately  in  rear  of  General  Lee's 
brigade,  at  a  point  about  half  a  mile  from  the  negro  cabins. 

Across  this  road  our  men  were  hastening  in  wild  disorder  and  in 
.fionsternation  before  a  very  heavy  fire  of  the  enemy.  I  immediately 
-entered  the  road  and  was  advancing  on  it  in  column,  when  my  front 
(the  left)  was  brought  under  a  most  galling  fire  from  the  enemy's 
Kharpshooters,  and  their  line,  some  two  hundred  yards  distant,  posted 
in  a  heavy  thicket  of  timber  and  undergrowth  unexposed  to  vie  w.  1  found 
that  the  enemy  held  possession  of  the  road,  and  that  I  must  retake  it 
in  order  to  comply  with  the  command  of  General  Pemberton,  It 
would  have  been  a  wanton  destruction  of  life  to  have  formed  a  line  of 
battle  with  my  brigade  in  its  then  position,  marching,  as  it  was,  by 


15 

the  left  flank  on  the  road,  and  a  portion  of  which  had  already  changed 
direction  to  the  left  in  order  to  enter  it  under  the  heavy  fire  of  the 
enemy,  hidden  from  view,  exposed,  too,  to  an  enfilading  fire  from  a 
battery  which  had  been  established  by  the  enemy  on  a  commanding 
eminence  at  short  range,  and  at  the  same  time  ray  column  was  con- 
tinually broken  by  men  of  other  brigades,  who,  driven  back,  were 
rushing  pell  mell  from  the  scene  of  action  and  resisting  all  attempts 
made  to  rally  them. 

My  command  being  thus  fully  exposed  to  the  enemy,  I  changed 
direction  of  the  head  of  the  column  to  the  left  about  one  hundred  and 
fifty  yards  from  the  crest  of  the  rise  in  the  road  occupied  by  the 
enemy  to  a  covered  position  and  formed  the  brigade.  Two  of  my 
strongest  regiments  were  detached  from  the  rear  of  my  brigade  as  it 
passed  the  cabins — one  by  order  of  General  Temberton,  the  other  by 
order  of  General  Bowen.  The  strength  of  my  brigade  at  this  criti- 
cal moment  was  thus  unceremoniously  and  materially  reduced.  This 
being  done  without  ray  knowledge  and  without  any  report  being  made 
to  me  of  the  fact  by  the  generals  who  gave  the  orders,  I  awaited  the 
approach  of  the  enemy,  who  must  advance  through  an  open  clear 
space.  The  enemy,  however,  halted  in  the  road  and  established  a 
, battery.  To  have  charged  him  from  my  position,  with  my  brigade 
reduced  in  strength,  and  over  an  open  space  of  several  hundred  yards, 
would  have  cost  it  half  its  numbers.  I  therefore  mo^ed  the  brigade 
by  the  right  flank  to  a  position  protected  by  timber  to  the  ground 
occupied  by  the  enemy  with  the  view  of  moving  against  the  position 
held  by  him  in  t«he  road.  I  had  not  completed  the  disposition  of  my 
comraand.when  I  discovered  that  the  enemy  was  rapidly  turning  both  the 
right  and  left  flanks  of  the  position  I  held,  as  well  as  that  occupied  by 
him,  against  which  I  proposed  to  move.  In  all  probability  i  might 
have  taken  the  position  at  a  great  sacrifice,  but  it  would  be  untenable, 
and  I  would  have  been  forced  to  have  given  it  up  almost  immediately, 
besides  running  the  risk  of  having  my  entire  brigade  captured,  as  I 
was  entirely  without  support,  my  strength  reduced  nearly  one-third 
by  the  regiments  being  detached,  and  as  all  the  troops  of  our  centre  and 
of  the  left  wing  were  leaving  the  field  in  great  disorder,  I  therefore 
threw  my  brigade  back  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  negro 
cabins,  and  in  the  direction  of  Edward's  depot,  on  a  commanding 
position,  where  I  joined  you  with  General  Featherston's  brigade. 

I  was  ordered  to  move  my  brigade  into  position  so  as  to  move 
against  the  enemy's  right,  and  pierce  his  line  and  thus,  by  a  vigorous 
and  well-directed  attack,  force  him  to  abandon  the  field,  it  having  been 
reported  that  his  centre  was  falling  back,  and  thus  retrieve  the  day. 
I  was  joined  here  by  the  twelfth  Louisiana  and  thirty-fifth  Alabama 
regiments,  and  moved  rapidly  forward  and  was  forming  in  position, 
when  I  was  informed  by  one  of  my  staff  offic3r3  thit  you  had  received 
positive  orders  to  withdraw  the  forces  from  the  field,  and  had  com- 
menced retiring.  I  immediately  ordered  the  brigade  to  march  by  the 
left  flank,  and  rejoined  you  then  on  the  retreat  to  Baker's  Creek. 
IJeing  informed  that  a  section  of  artillery,  with  a  support  of  infantry, 
had  been  detailed  as  a  rear  guard,  I  moved  forward,  but  was  soon  in- 


16 

formed  that  the  enemy  was  pressing  on  my  rear,  both  with  cavalry, 
infantry  and  artillery,  and  that  one  piece  of  the  Point  Coupee  battery 
had  been  abandoned,  as  the  horses  were  killed  by  the  sharpshooters- 
80  as  to  render  it  an  impossibility  to  remove  it.  This  battery  had 
been  broucrht  from  its  original  position  to  the  left,  and  ordered  by 
Colonel  Withers,  chief  of  artillery  department,  to  send  four  pieces  to 
A^icksburg,  and  follow  in  retreat  in  rear  of  the  brigade  with  the  re- 
mainder, but  had  not,  as  yet,  reported  to  me.  The  artillery  and  in- 
fantry, ordered  to  protect  the  rear,  after  allowing,  a  portion  of  my 
brigade  to  pass,  had,  for  some  reason  unknown  to  me,  moved  forward, 
and  thus  left  my  rear  exposed.  I  immediately  posted  the  twelfth 
Louisiana  regiment,  with  a  section  of  artillery  from  the  Point  Coupee 
battery,  in  line,  with  orders  to  repel  the  advance  of  the  entmy,  and 
made  dispositions  to  support  them.  The  enemy  charged  forward,  but 
were  met  by  the  fire  of  the  twelfth  Lcuisi;jna,  and  the  artillery  which 
effectually  checked  the  ardor  of  his  pursuit,  and  caused  him  to  follow 
our  immediate  rear  with  great  caution. 

I  was  then  ordered  to  move  to  the  rear  of  General  Featherston's 
brigade,  which  had  been  placed  in  position  to  meet  any  advance  of 
the  enem}',  and  form  in  his  rear  to  support  Cowan's  battery  of  With- 
er's  artillery,  which  was  engaging  a  battery  of  the  enemy,  and  pro- 
tecting the  retreat  of  TiJo-hraan's  brii'ade.  General  TiUhman  havinsr 
gallantly  lost  his  life  in  directing  the  fire  of  his  artillery.  I  would 
offer  my  tribute  of  respect  to  his  gallant  bearing  and  his  noble  devo- 
tion and  untiring  energy  in  behalf  of  our  cause  alike  on  the  field  of 
battle  and  in  the  private  circles. 

I  formed  a  line  in  rear  of  the  battery  on  a  commanding  position, 
(here  losing  several  wounded,  and  Captain  Isbcll,  of  the  twenty- 
seventh  Alabama  regiment,  killed,)  ordering  the  twelfth  Louisiana 
regiment  to  proceed  to  my  rear  and  form  at  right  angles  to  the  road, 
and  hold  it  so  that  we  could  gain  the  ford,  now  about  a  mile  distant. 

A  message  was  brought  from  General  Bowen,  that  he  had  been 
forced  to  abandon  his  position  at  the  ford,  as  the  enemy  were  flanking 
him  and  were  between  him  and  Edwards'  depot.  I  was  ordered  to 
proceed  to  the  ford  and  support  General  Bowen  whilst  he  drew  off. 
The  twelfth  Louisiana  regiment,  which  had  been  ordered  to  form  in 
my  rear  as  stated  above,  had  received  orders  from  General  Stevenson 
to  move  forward  to  the  ford  in  advance  of  my  brigade,  and,  as  I 
learned,  several  days  afterwards,  had  already  crossed  the  creek  under 
a  heavy  fire  of  artillery.  From  the  firing  on  our  right  it  was  evident 
that  the  enemy  had  obtained  possession  of  the  bridge  across  the  creek 
on  the  upper  road,  and  was  endeavoring  to  reach  Edwards'  depot,  and 
thus  cut  off  our  retreat.  General  Bowen  had  retired,  and  when  near 
the  ford  it  was  clearly  perceptible  that  the  enemy,  with  his  artillery, 
was  raking  the  same,  and,  at  the  same  time,  advancing  his  columns 
in  that  direction.  Finding  that  it  was  impossible  to  cross  the  creek 
under  the  fire  of  the  enemy  and  the  dispositions  of  his  infantry,  you 
ordered  me  to  turn  my  column  to  the  left,  and,  by  going  through  a 
plantation,  seek  a  ford  lower  down.  Sending  for  the  twelfth  Louisiana 
regiment  to  rejoin   the  brigade   immediately^  and,  by  no  means,   to 


17 

attempt  to  cross  the  ford,  as  the  enemy  was  in  possession  thereof.  I 
turned  the  column  to  the  left,  passed  through  the  plantation,  and 
endeavored  to  find  a  ford,  but  could  not.  It  was  then  determined  to 
try  to  reach  a  ford  still  lower  down,  distant  two  and  a  half  miles,  and, 
under  the  guidance  of  Dr.  Williamson,  whom  I  had  secured,  moved 
forward.  To  his  knowledge  of  the  country  and  the  plantation  roads, 
"we  are  largely  indebted  for  our  safe  deliverance. 

As  the  enemy  were  pressing  us  in  front,  in  rear,  and  on  the  flank, 
it  became  necessary  to  move  with  great  caution,  and  only  over  neigh- 
borhood roads  and  paths  long  unused.  It  soon  became  evident  that 
the  artillery  could  not  travel  over  the  paths  which  necessity  forced 
us  to  take.  Some  of  the  pieces  were,  therefore,  abandoned,  after 
using  all  pc'ssible  means  of  saving  them,  which  the  retreat,  nature  of 
the  ground,  and  the  presence  of  the  enemy  permitted.  They  were 
abandoned,  however,  only  after  rendering  them  useless  to  the  enemy. 

We  moved  until  near  the  ford  we  sought,  and  to  gain  which  we 
had  marched  ten  or  twelve  miles,  instead  of  two  or  three,  and  to  a 
point  where  we  had  information  that  we  could  secure  a  guide.  From 
him  we  learned  that  the  ford  was  impassable,  and  that  he  could  not 
pilot  us,  during  the  darkness  of  the  night,  to  the  fortifications  near 
Big  Black  bridge,  without  crossing  the  lines  of  the  enemy.  The 
large  fires  on  our  right,  evidenced  that  the  Yankees  were  at  their 
usual  work  of  arson  in  and  aroiind  Edwards'  depot. 

A  consultation  was  called  by  you,  and  the  facts  laid  before  us.  I 
expressed  the  opinion  that,  to  reach  Vicksburg,  we  must  cross  the 
Big  Black  river  at  some  of  the  lower  ferries,  undoubtedly  in  presence 
of  the  enemy,  and,  to  reach  even  the  nearest  ferry,  we  would  have  to 
march  during  the  entire  night,  and,  if  we  crossed  in  safety,  would  be  in 
danger  of  being  cut  off.  Our  men  were  somewhat  demoralized,  our 
artillery  abandoned,  the  troops  intensely  fatigued.  We  had  but  a  few 
rounds  of  ammunition,  the  greater  part  of  which  would  be  ruined  by 
swimming  the  river,  as  we  had  no  means  to  build  a  bridge  or  boat. 
We  had  information  that  the  enemy  was  crossing  the  river  at  several 
of  the  lo^er  ferries,  and  the  guide  had  declared  it  was  impossible  to 
pilot  us  to  the  fortifications  without  penetrating  the  lines  of  the 
enemy,  hence,  our  only  feasible  way  of  escape,  and  to  save  the  divis- 
ion, was  to  move  to  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  and  pass  on  his  flank  in 
the  direction  of  the  Jackson  and  New  Orleans  railroad. 

By  neighborhood  roads  we  moved  during  the  night,  passing  the 
flank  of  the  enemy,  hourly  expecting  an  attack,  hearing  the  enemy 
conversing  as  we  passed  along,  and  crossing  ravines  and  creeks  which 
proved  the  impossibility  of  moving  artillery,  and  about  three  o'clock, 
A.  M.,  Sunday  morning,  reached  Dillon's,  on  the  road  from  Grand 
Gulf  to  Raymond,  and  but  a  few  miles  distant  from  the  battle  field. 
We  thence  marched  to  Crystal  Springs,  on  the  Jackson  and  New 
Orleans  railroad,  near  which  we  camped  on  Sunday  night.  We  had 
marched  steadily  for  twenty-four  hours,  a  distance  of  forty  miles, 
stopping  but  short  intervals  to  rest,  and  without  provisions.  The 
men  were  so  exhausted  that  they  fell  as  they  came  into  camp,  and 
nature   sternly  demanded  rest   and   sleep.     On    Monday,  we    moved 


18 

towards  Pearl  river,  and  thence  continued  the  march  to  Jackson,  "which 
we  reached  on  Wednesday,  the  20th  of  May. 

The  troops  of  this  brigade  bore  the  march  with  great  fortitude, 
making  little,  if  any,  complaint.  My  entire  loss  in  killed  and  wounded 
during  the  engagement  of  Saturday,  was  eleven  killed  and  forty-nine 
wounded.  Among  the  former  were  Captain  W.  A.  Isbell,  company  I, 
and  Lieutenant  T.  S.  Taylor,  of  company  I,  twenty-seventh  Alabama 
regiment,  and  Lieutenant  George  C.  Hubbard,  acting  as  first  lieuten- 
ant of  company  F,  thirty-fifth  Alabama  regiment.  The  latter  oflScer, 
being  on  a  visit  to  the  regiment,  was  assigned  temporarily  to  duty  by 
request  of  the  captain.  'J'hese  officers  are  worthy  of  all  commendation 
as  such,  and  their  loss  is  felt.  Among  the  wounded  was  Colonel  A. 
Baker,  commanding  fifty. fourth  Alabama  regiment,  who  was  wounded 
early  in  the  engagement  near  the  negro  cabins. 

I  would  call  attention  to  the  accompanying  reports  of  Colonel  Scott, 
commanding  twelfth  Louisiana  regiment,  [marked  A,]  of  Colonel 
Goodwin,  commanding  thirty-fifth  Alabama  regiment,  [marked  B,] 
and  of  Captain  Bowanchand,  commanding  Point  Coupee  artillery, 
[marked  C]  These  were  detached  from  my  command  during  the 
greater  portion  of  the  engagement.  These  officers  sustained  the  high 
reputation  they  have  won  on  other  fields.  For  particular  mention  of 
officers  under  their  command,  I  refer  to  the  reports.  The  other  regi- 
ments were  directly  under  my  immediate  observation  during  the  whole 
day,  and  I  was  more  than  gratified  at  the  gallant  bearing  of  the  com- 
manding officers,  as  well  as  that  of  the  other  field  and  company  officers. 
To  say  that  I  am  proud  to  command  the  brigade,  evinces  but  slightly 
the  high  regard  and  estimation  I  have  for  the  troops.  Their  quickness 
of  motion,  their  ardor,  powers  of  endurance  and  steadiness  exhibited 
during  the  engagement  of  Saturday,  and  on  the  retreat,  are  worthy 
of  mention. 

In  conclusion,  1  would  mention,  in  a  grateful  manner,  the  obliga- 
tions I  am  under  to  the  members  of  my  stafi"  for  their  efficiency  and 
promptness  in  carrying  out  my  orders. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  your  obedient  servant, 

A.  BUFORD, 
Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  SCOTT. 

Jackson,  Mrss.,  May  28,  1863. 

Brigadier  General  Euford, 

Commanding  Biigade  : 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  on  the  16th  instant, 
about  one  o'clock,  P.  M  ,1  was  detached  from  your  command,  by  orde 
of  Lieutenant  General  Pemberton,  to  go  to  the  right  of  Genera 
Green's  brigade,  (then  engaged,)  and  attack  a  Federal  force  then 
attempting  to  turn  General  Green's  right  flank.  Upon  arriving  on  the 
ground  I  found  General  Green's  brigade  (or,  at  least,  the  right  of  it) 
retiring  from  the  field  in  great  confusion.  I  immediately  formed  my 
line  at  right  angles  to  the  line  occupied  by  General  Green's  forces,, 
and  ordered  my  men  forward.  We  were  soon  greeted  with  a  heavy 
fire,  -which  was  returned  with  spirit.  I  ordered  my  men  to  fire, 
advancing,  which  they  did  with  great  steadiness  and  precision.  L 
advanced  to  within  forty  to  fifty  yards  of  a  line  of  two  regiments, 
when  they  retreated  and  formed  in  another  line  of  three  regiments, 
posted  in  a  strong  position  on  the  crest  of  the  hill.  They  all  soon 
opened  a  heavy  fire  on  me,  when  finding  that  the  contest  was  too 
unequal,  I  determined  to  try  cold  steel.  I  caused  the  firing  to  cease, 
bayonets  to  be  fixed,  and  ordered  my  men  to  make  a  steady  advance  in. 
line  without  yelling,  (that  they  might  hear  my  commands,)  and  never 
was  an  order  more  implicitly  obeyed.  We  charged  the  entire 
brigade,  and  caused  them  to  fly  in  great  confusion.  I  held  the  ground 
until  ordered  by  you  to  join  the  brigade.  I  here  lost  five  killed  and 
thirty-four  wounded.  I  did  not  consider  it  prudent  to  pursue  the 
enemy,  as  a  heavy  line  was  advancing  on  my  left  flank,  (the  same  force 
that  General  Green  had  engaged.)  The  sharpshooters  had  commenced 
firing  on  me  from  the  left  flank,  when  I  changed  front  to  rear  on  my 
first  company,  intending  to  fight  the  enemy  if  pursued.  They  did 
not  move  on  me  at  all,  so  I  joined  your  brigade  without  any  further 
engagement,  bringing  my  wounded  to  a  field, hospital  which  after- 
wards fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  You  alIov/-ed  me  to  rest  my.- 
men  some  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  after  which  I  moved  at  the  head 
of  the  brigade  in  the  direction  of  Edwards'  depot.  We  had  not  pro- 
ceeded more  th  in  three  quarters  of  a  mile  when  I  heard  firing  in  the 
rear.  You  ordered  me  to  form  a  line  at  right  angles  to  the  road,  in 
an  excellent  position,  and  the  remainder  of  the  brigade  retired  to  the 
rear  of  my  line.  They  were  hotly  pressed  by  a  force  of  the  enemy's 
cavalry,  preceded  by  dismounted  skirmishers.  I  had  my  men  con- 
cealed behind  the  crest  of  the  hill,  and  allowed  them  to  come  within 
r^nge,  when  I  fired  by  rank  upon  them  with  great  effect,  causing  them 
to  retire  precipitately.  I  was  now  ordered  by  you  to  proceed  to  the 
main  road  leading  to  Edwards'  depot,  and  take  a  good  position,  and 
hold  It  until  you  arrived  with  the  brigade.  I  selected,  but  did  not  occupy 
the  position,  as  Major  General  Stevenson  ordered  me  to  push  on  and 


20 

cross  Bakers  Creek  (some  half  a  mile  west  of  me.)  Upon  arriving 
"with  my  command  at  the  creek,  I  found  Genenil  Stevenson,  who  told 
me  that  it  was  impossible,  to  reach  Edwards'  depot,  as  it  was  in  pos- 
session of  the  enemy,  and  that  my  command  would  have  to  pass  under 
a  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy's  batteries,  (then  shelling  us,  but  over- 
shooting,) and  ordered  me  to  join  ray  brigade.  I  had  proceeded  but  a 
few  yards  when  he  called  to  me  to  push  through,  as  he  had  just  heard 
that  the  enemy  had  not  possession  of  Edwards'  depot.  I  immediately 
started  for  that  point,  crossed  Baker's  Creek,  and  went  half  a  mile,  in 
good  range,  and  under  heavy  fire  of  at  least  six  pieces  of  the  enemy's 
artillery,  but  the}''  overshot  us  invariably,  not  one  shot  taking  effect. 
After  going  from  three  quarters  to  one  mile  west  of  Baker's  Creek,  I 
was  overtaken  by  a  courier  from  you,  ordering  me  to  join  the  brigade 
iramefliately.  I  retraced  my  steps  under  a  fire  of  several  pieces  of 
artillery.  The  enemy  also  opened  a  battery  in  the  direction  of  Ed- 
wards' depot,  and  were  moving  a  heavy  column  of  infantry  towards 
the  bridge.  The  skirmii^hers  commenced  firing  upon  our  stragglers 
immediately  in  the  rear  of  my  regiment.  This  was  after  sunset.  My 
regiment  was  the  last  command  to  cross  Baker's  Creek,  and  no  other 
could  have  crossed  without  heavy  fighting,  under  disadvantages,  as 
the  enemy  held  the  hills  commanding  the  crossing  with  a  heavy  force, 
within  supporting  distance.  Between  Edwards'  depot  and  Baker's  Creek , 
I  found  your  brigade  moving  to  the  south.  I  joined  it  some  three 
quarters  of  a  m.ile  from  the  creek.  With  its  future  movements  you 
are  familiar.  I  cannot  close,  General,  without  paying  a  just  tribute 
to  the  gallantry  and  unflinching  courage  of  my  officers  and  men. 

Where  all  did  well,  special   attention  was  only  attracted  by  those 

holding   conspicuous   positions.       Among  those  deserving  honorable 

mention  are  Lieutenant  Colonel  Noel  S.    Nelson,   Major  Thomas  C. 

Standifer,  Sergeant  Major  II.  Brumraer  and  Color  Sergeant  Eli  Cole. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully, 

THOS.  M.  SCOTT, 
Cvlond  Tvjclfik  Loxnsiana  regiment. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  GOODWIN. 

Headquarters  Tumxr-FiFTH  Regiment  Alabama  Vols.,  ) 
Camp  near  Jackson,  Miss.,  May  28,  1863.      > 

Captain  Thqmas  M.  Crowder, 

Asi>isiant  Adjutant  General : 

Captain  :  In  accordance  with  an  order  from  brigade  headquarters,  I 
most  respectfully  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  as  a  report  of  tie 
operations  of  the  thirty- fifth  regiment  Alabama  volunteers,  on  the 
night  of  the  15th  May,  also  on  the  16th  of  May,  1863: 

At  deep  dusk,  on  the  evening  of  the  loih  instant,  I  received  an 
order,  directly  from  General  Buford  in  person,  to  report,  with  my 
command,  to  the  headquarters  of  Major  General  Loring,  which  were 
established  about  one  mile  in  advance  of  the  division,  on  the  Upper 
Edwards'  Depot  and  Raymond  road. 

General  Lorino;  ordered  me  to  move  the  regiment  about  one  mile  in 
advance  of  his  (quarters,  and  to  picket  the  road  at  the  point  whica  his 
engineer  should  select.  On  reaching  this  point,  I  detailed  company 
F  to  picket  several  hundred  yards  in  advance  of  the  regiment,  and 
from  this  place  I  threw  out  videttcs,  giving  to  each  the  instructions 
1  had  received  from  the  General.  The  twenty-second  Mississippi 
regiment,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Reid  commanding,  was  sent  out  to  sup- 
port me.  During  the  night  an  occasional  gun  was  fired  by  the  cavalry 
pickets  of  each  army. 

In  the  morning  of  the  16th  May,  the  skirmishing  between  our  cav- 
alry pickets  and  that  of  the  enemy  became  very  brisk.  About  seven 
o'clock  I  rode  to  the  front,  both  with  a  view  to  confer  with  Colonel 
Adams,  and,  if  possible,  to  ascertain  the  strength  of  the  foe.  The 
Federal  cavalry  were  drawn  up  in  an  open  field,  at  intervals  of  forty 
or  fifty  yards,  and  were  slowly  advancing,  driving  in  our  vidcttes. 
Behind  this  cavalry  I  discovered  a  long  battle  line  of  infantry,  and  I 
also  discovered  that  they  were  moving  their  skirmishers  to  the  right. 
I  hastened  back  to  my  regiment,  and  prepared  to  contest  every  inch 
of  ground  with  them  back  to  our  army.  I  had  scarcely  formed  ray 
lino  of  battle  before  the  enemy  began  to  shell  me  from  a  battery  which 
he  had  planted  a  short  distance  to  my  right.  Notwithstanding  the 
shell  burst  over  and  about  my  command  in  every  direction,  yet  they 
stood  firm,  ready  to  meet  the  advancing  foe.  From  this  shelling  the 
twenty-second  Mississippi  had  two  men  very  severely  wounded.  I 
threw  out  a  company  of  skirmishers,  (company  B,)  who  soon  engaged 
the  Federal  sharpshooters.  About  half-past  eight  o'clock,  I  received 
an  order  from  General  Loring  to  full  back  in  good  order  to  the  main 
army.  I  then  fell  back  till  I  came  to  Colonel  Reid's  regiment.  Be- 
ing the  senior  officer,  I  ordered  Colonel  Reid  to  fall  back  one  hundred 
yards,  and  reform  his  line  of  battle.  I  reformed  upon  the  ground  he  left. 
Company  B,  thirty-fifth  Alabama  regiment,  and  a  company  from  tho 
twenty-second  Mississippi,  "which  I  had  ordered  to  be  sent  to  the  support 


22 

of  my  company,  were  engaging  the  enemy  vigorously.  Knowing 
that  they  were  trying  to  outflank  me,  I  kept  videttes  on  my  flank. 
I  thus  continued  my  retreat  slowly,  until  I  received  a  second  order 
from  General  Loring  to  bring  the  regiments  in  immediately.  I  then 
promptly  rejoined  the  brigade. 

On  being  moved  from  the  right  to  the  left  of  our  general  line  of 
battle,  in  the  afternoon,  as  the  brigade  was  passing  near  the  negro 
cabins.  General  Bowen  rode  up  to  me,  inquiring  of  me  what  regiment 
that  was.  I  told  him ;  whereupon  he  ordered  me  to  follow  him. 
Placing  me  under  the  guidance  of  an  aid,  who  conducted  me  directly 
to  the  front  one  hundred  yards,  I  was  ordered  to  move  straight  for- 
ward until  I  met  the  foe.  Pausing  Icng  enough  to  fix  bayonets,  I 
moved  in  the  direction  indicated  by  General  Bowen's  aid,  until  I  came 
up  with  General  Green,  who  ordered  me  to  move  to  the  right,  to  tho 
support  of  the  first  Missouri  battery,  which  was  in  great  danger. 
This  I  did  promptly,  forming  in  the  rear  of  the  battery.  The  battery, 
being  reassured  by  the  appearance  of  the  regiment,  rushed  with  en- 
thusiasm to  their  guns,  and,  for  an  hour,  worked  them  with  a  celerity 
and  daring  that  1  doubt  never  has  been  surpassed  during  this  war. 
The  enemy  poured  volley  after  volley  of  shot,  shell,  grape  and  can- 
ister upon  us,  but,  owing  to  a  fortunate  position,  I  lost  only  one  man — 
Lieutenant  George  C.  Hubbard,  who,  being  on  a  visit  to  the  regiment, 
was  assigned  to  temporary  duty  as  first  lieutenant  in  company  F,  by 
request  of  the  captain.  The  enemy  being  driven  off,  the  battery  re- 
tired from  the  field,  having  exhausted  its  ammunition.  Just  as  the 
battery  drove  off,  the  enemy  had  moved  around  to  the  left,  and  were 
giving  me  an  enfilading  fire.  I  therefore  changed  my  front  to  meet 
him,  in  the  meantime  sending  a  courier  to  General  Green  for  further 
orders.  At  this  time  our  friends  gave  way,  and  came  rushing  to  the 
rear,  panic  stricken.  I  rushed  to  the  front  and  ordered  them  to  halt, 
but  they  heeded  neither  my  orders  nor  those  of  their  commanders.  I 
brought  my  regiment  to  the  charge  bayonets,  but  even  this  could  not 
check  them  in  their  flight.  The  colors  of  three  regiments  passed 
through  the  thirty-fifth.  Both  my  officers  and  men,  undismayed, 
united  with  me  in  trying  to  cause  them  to  rally.  We  collared  them, 
begged  them  and  abused  them  in  vain.  At  length  I  received  orders 
from  General  Green  to  follow  the  battery.  I  accordingly  moved  out  in 
rear  of  the  twelfth  Louisiana,  and,  at  my  urgent  solicitation,  was  per- 
mitted to  rejoin  the  brigade. 

Hoping  this  report  may  prove  satisfactory  to  the  General, 
I  am,  very  respectfully, 

EDWARD  GOODWIN, 
Colonel  Thirty-Fifth  Regimait  Alabama  Volunteers. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  REYNOLDS. 

Headquarters  First  Brigade,  First  Division,  > 
Near  Jackson,  Miss.,  May  27,  1863.      > 

Major  :  In  obedience  to  orders,  I  beg  leave  to  sabmit  the  following 
report  of  the  part  taken  by  this  brigade  in  the  battle  of  Baker's  Creek, 
on  the  16th  instant : 

At  nine  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  that  day,  Brigadier  General 
Tilghman,  commanding  brigade,  received  orders  to  move  it,  from  just 
beyond  Ellison's  house,  where  it  had  bivouacked  Friday  night,  to  a 
ridge  about  half  a  mile  in  our  rear.  The  order  was  immediately 
obeyed,  and,  in  the  formation  of  the  line  of  battle,  its  proper  position, 
the  right  of  the  division,  was  assigned  it.  From  this  time  up  to  about 
twelve,  M.,  nothing  of  importance  occurred.  At  that  time  the  whole 
division  changed  position  by  the  left  flank,  Brigadier  General  Buford 
moving  to  the  support  of  Brigadier  General  Bowen,  on  his  left,  Brig- 
adier General  Featherston  closing  up  so  as  to  be  in  supporting  dis- 
tance, and  Brigadier  General  Tilghman  with  his  brigade  and  two  bat- 
teries, (the  Cowan  battery,  six  guns,  of  Wither's  regiment  of  artillery, 
and  the  McLendon  battery,  four  guns,  of  Ward's  battalion,)  by  direc- 
tion of  the  Major  General  commanding  division,  taking  position  on 
the  Raymond  and  Edwards'  Depot  road,  to  prevent  a  flank  movement  of 
the  enemy  down  it  on  our  right.  At  the  same  time,  he  was  told  to 
hold  himself  in  readiness  to  move  up  to  the  support  of  the  other  brig- 
ades of  the  division,  should  it  become  necessary. 

About  one  o'clock,  this  order  was  received  from  Lieutenant  Gen- 
eral Pemberton.  In  anticipation  of  the  movement,  Lieutenant  Macfar- 
land,  of  the  Major  General's  stafl",  had  some  time  before  been  sent  to 
Brigadier  General  Tilghman,  to  point  out  the  road  by  which  he  should 
move.  Captain  Ellis,  the  assistant  adjutant  general  of  General  Tilgh- 
man, accompanied  Lieutenant  Macfarland  far  enough  to  have  it  shown 
him ;  but  upon  making  the  move,  and  going  beyond  the  point  to  which 
Captain  Ellis  had  been  carried  by  Lieutenant  Macfarland,  the  route 
was  found  to  be  impracticable  for  artillery.  As  soon  as  this  became 
evident,  General  Tilghman  countermarched  the  brigade,  and  moving 
down  the  Raymond  and  Edwards'  Depot  road  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile, 
took  a  new  right-hand  road,  which  communicated  with  our  left  wing, 
intending  to  join  Major  General  Loring  by  this  route  ;  but  after  pro- 
ceeding only  a  few  hundred  yards.  Lieutenant  General  Pemberton  met 
the  brigade  and  ordered  it  back  to  a  position  on  the  main  road  we  had 
just  left,  informing  General  Tilghman,  at  the  same  time,  that  an  order 
countermanding  the  one  to  move,  and  directing  him  to  retain  his 
position,  had  been  sent  to  him  nearly  an  hour  before.  Whilst  con- 
versing with  him,  Major  Lockhart,  chief  engineer  of  the  department, 
rode  up  with  the  order,  and  informed  General  Pemberton  that,  owing 
to  the  breaking  down  of  his  horse,  he  had  been  unable  to  reach  General 
Tilghman. 


24 

At  the  time  of  the  movement  from  our  first  position  on  the  Ray- 
raond  and  Edwards'  Depot  road,  and  before  the  rear  of  the  brigade  had 
crossed  that  road,  a  heavy  column  of  the  enemy  was  seen  advancing, 
in  line  of  battle,  out  of  the  woods  immediately  around  Ellison's  house. 
Colonel  R.  Lowry,  of  the  sixth  Mississippi  regiment,  who  was  in  the 
rear,  was  at  once  directed  to  throw  out  a  heavy  line  of  skirmishers 
to  protect  the  movement.  Upon  the  brigades  countermarching,  this 
line  of  skirmishers,  (composing  nearly  one  half  of  the  regiment,) 
moving  too  far  to  the  left,  became  separated  from  the  brigade,  and, 
uniting  itself  with  the  left  wing  of  the  army,  fell  back  with  it,  first 
to  Big  Black  bridge,  and  thence  to  Vicksburg,  where  it  is  at  present, 
under  the  command  of  Major  Stevens. 

Soon  after  the  formation  of  the  second  line  of  baUle,  at  half  past 
one  o'clock,  Major  Genera?'  Loring  came  up  with  the  other  two  bri- 
gades of  the  division,  and  furmcd  them' immediately  on  the  left  of  the 
first  brigade,  lie  informed  General  Tilghraan  that  the  left  wing  of 
the  army  was  retreating  to  the  Big  Black,  and  that,  in  order  to  cover 
the  movement,  General  Pemberton  had  directed  him  to  maintain  his  po- 
sition, at  all  hazards,  until  sundown. 

The  enemy  having  taken  possession  of  the  hill  abandoned  by  us,  a 
continuous  fire  from  both  artillery  and  skirmi.^hcrs  was  kept  up  until 
dark.  At  twenty  minutes  past  five  o'clock,  Brigadier  General  Lloyd 
Tilghnian,  who,  up  to  that  time,  had  commanded  the  brigade  with 
marked  abilit}',  fell,  killed  by  a  shell  from  one  of  the  enemy's  guns, 
and  the  command  devolved  upon  me  as  the  senior  colonel  present.  I 
cannot  here  refrain  from  paying  a  slight  tribute  to  the  memory  of  my 
late  commander.  As  a  man,  a  soldier  and  a  General,  he  had  few,  if 
any,  superiors.  Always  at  his  post,  he  devoted  himself  to  the  interests 
of  his  command.  Upon  the  field  of  battle,  cool,  collected  and  obser- 
vant, he  commanded  the  entire  respect  and  confidence  of  every  officer 
and  soldier  under  him,  and  the  only  censure  ever  cast  upon  him  was 
that  he  always  exposed  himself  too  recklef&ly.  At  the  time  he  \«a,3 
struck  down  he  was  standing  in  the  rear  of  a  battery,  directing  a 
change  in  the  elevation  of  one  of  the  guns.  The  tears  shed  by  his 
men  on  the  occasion,  and  the  grief  felt  by  his  entire  brigade,  are  tho 
proudest  tribute  that  can  be  given  the  gallant  dead.  From  the  time 
of  my  assuming  command  of  the  brigade,  until  I  was  ordered  off  the 
field,  the  fire  of  the  enemy  was  very  warm. 

Cowan's  battery  had  several  men  wounded,  and  had  nearly  used  up 
all  its  ammunition,  and  yet,  from  orders  received  by  me,  had  to  be 
kept  in  position.  The  McLendon  battery  lost  several  men  and  hor- 
ses, and  were  exposed  to  such  a  heavy  fire  as  to  render  the  use  of 
their  guns  exceedingly  hazardous,  I  sent  Captain  T.  B.  Sykes,  the 
assistant  inspector  general,  to  inform  Major  General  Loring  of  the 
state  of  affairs,  and  learned  through  him,  on  his  return,  that  both 
Generals  Buibrd's  and  Featherston's  brigade  were  moving  off  to  the 
rear,  and  that  I  was  directed  to  bring  off  my  brigade  in  the  rear  of 
General  Featherston's.  The  enemy  were  pressing  us  closely  at  the 
time,  80  that  I  deemed  it  best  to  move  off  by  the  left  flank  through 
the  fields,  rather  than  by  the  right,  down    the  road,  and   by  so  doing 


25 

induced  the  enemy  to  believe  that  I  waa  moving  to  the  left.     I  thus 
deceived  the  enemy  and  avoided  any  serious  pursuit. 

After  moving  a  little  more  than  a  mile,  I  received  an  order  from 
the  Major  General  to  leave  my  artillery,  move  out  the  regular  line 
and  take  position  in  front  of  General  Featherston's  brigad'3.  The 
march  was  continued  in  this  order  for  the  next  twenty  four  hours'  du- 
ring which  time  we  made  about  forty  miles. 

It  is  proper  to  mention  that,  in  assuming  the  second  line  of  battle, 
about  half  past  one  o'clock,  one  section  of  the  McLendon  battery  was 
ordered  to  the  rear,  as  there  was  no  position  for  it,  and  that  Lieuten- 
ant Merren,  commanding,  made  his  way  with  it,  fir^t  across  Baker's 
Creek,  and  finally  with  that  portion  of  the  army  on  the  left,  to  Vicks- 
burg.  The  guns  of  the  other  section,  under  Captain  Jacob  Culbert- 
son,  as  well  as  those  of  Cowan's  battery,  were  abandoned,  by  order  of 
the  Major  General  commanding,  during  the  first  night's  march,  owing 
to  the  impossibility  of  taking  them  over  the  roads  we  were  forced 
to  follow. 

Captain  Culbertson  brought  off  his  horses,  harness  and  men.  Cap- 
tain Cowan  did  the  same,  but,  on  the  march,  he  and  all  his  men  left 
the  command,  and  have  not  been  heard  from  since. 

The  forced  march  from  the  battlefield  to  Crystal  Springs,  to  R-imes" 
forry,  and  thence  to  Jackson,  was  over  rough  stony  roails,  and  made 
by  men  much  worn  down  by  fatigue,  and  many  of  them  bare- footed. 
Under  these  circumstances  it  is  not  at  all  surprising  that  many  of 
them  broke  down  and  straggled;  and  some  doubtless  were  picked  up  by 
the   enemy. 

Accompanying  this  report  you  will  find  a  paper  [marked  A]  con- 
taining a  list  of  the  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

In  closing  my  report,  1  cannot  omit  my  commendation  of  the  way 
in  wh'ch  tlie  officers  and  troops  of  this  brigade  behaved.  The  officer.^, 
one  and  all,  behaved  well,  so  much  so  that  I  cannot  particularize  any 
without  being  invidious.  The  troops  were  in  fine  spirits,  and  I  have 
never  seen  any  more  anxious  to  meet  the  enemy, 

1  am  much  indebted  to  Captains  Ellis  and  Sykes,  the  adjutant  and 
inspector  generals  of  General  Tilghman's  staff,  for  the  prompt  and 
efficient  aid  given  me  on  the  field,  who,  notwithstanding  the  gloom 
cast  over  thera  by  the  death  of  their  chief,  promptly  reported  them- 
selves to  me  for  duty,  and,  by  their  gallant  conduct,  are  entitled  to 
the  gratitude  of  their  country. 

Respectfully,  "vour  obedient  servant, 

.      A.  E.  REYNOLDS, 
Colonel  Commanding  Brigade. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  FEATHERSTON, 

Headquarters  Featherston's  Brigade, 
May  28,  1863. 

Major  George  McKnight, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir:  In  obedience  to  the  order  of  Major  General  Lorlng,  of  this 
date,  I  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  operations  of 
my  brigade  on  Baker's  Creek,  near  Edwards'  depot,  on  the  loth  and 
1 6th  of  this  month  : 

On  Friday,  the  loth,  about  three  o'clock,  in  the  evening,  the  troops 
on  the  south  side  of  Big  Black  river,  encamped  around  Edwards' 
depot,  were  marched  in  the  direction  of  Clinton,  on  the  road  leading 
from  Edwards'  depot  to  Clinton,  Major  General  Boring's  division 
was  in  front,  forming  the  right  wing  of  the  army;  my  brigade  formed 
a  part  of  this  division.  We  were  moved  some  four  miles  on  this  road, 
in  the  direction  of  Clinton,  crossing  Baker's  Creek  on  a  bridge,  and 
then  turning  directly  to  the  right  on  a  cross  road  leading  to  the  main 
thoroughfare  from  Edwards'  depot  to  Raymond.  After  reaching  the 
main  road  from  Edwards'  depot  to  Raymond,  Boring's  division  was 
halted  for  the  night,  and  bivouacked  on  the  sides  of  the  road.  One 
regiment,  and  five  companies  from  a  second,  were  placed  on  picket 
duty  from  my  brigade,  during  the  night.  The  divisions  of  Generals 
Stevenson  and  Bowen  were  in  the  rear  of  General  Boring's,  and 
bivouacked  for  the  night,  one  on  the  Clinton  and  Edwards'  Depot  road, 
and  the  other  between  that  and  the  Raymjond  and  Edwards'  Depot  road. 
The  distance  between  these  roads,  w^here  our  troops  encamped,  was 
about  three  miles.  About  eight  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  16th, 
one  of  the  enemy's  batteries  opened  lire  on  the  regiment  on  picket 
duty.  This  battery  was  planted  on  the  Raymond  road,  about  two 
miles  from  where  our  troops  were  bivouacked,  in  the  direction  of 
Raymond.  My  brigade  was  immediately  put  in  line  of  battle  on  the 
right  of  the  Raymond  road,  and  General  Buford's  brigade  on  the  left. 
This  was  done  in  obedience  to  an  order  from  General  Boring.  Gen- 
eral Pemberton  rode  up  while  the  line  of  battle  was  forming,  and  ap- 
proved the  movement.  Our  batteries  were  placed  in  position  on  an 
eminence  near  the  road,  just  in  front  of  the  infantry. 

At  this  time,  General  Boring  rode  up  from  the  front,  and  ordered 
the  line  of  battle  to  be  changed  to  a  high  hill  or  continuous  ridge, 
some  six  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  our  line,  as  then  established.  Upon 
this  ridge  or  hill  Boring's  division  was  placed  in  line  of  battle,  Tilgh- 
man's  brigade  on  the  right  of  the  division,  and  on  the  right  of  the 
Raymond  road,  my  brigade  on  the  left  of  Tilghman's,  and  on  the  right 
of  the  Raymond  road,  Buford's  brigade  on  the  left  of  mine,  and  on 
the  left  of  the  Raymond  road.  General  Buford's  left  wing  connected 
with  General  Bowen's  right  in  the  direction  of  the  Clinton  road. 


27 

Very  soon  after  this  line  was  formed,  about  eleven  o'clock,  in  the 
forenoon,  the  enemy  made  their  appearance  in  our  front,  sending 
forward  a  line  of  skirmishers  on  foot  as  well  as  one  on  horse-hack. 
These  skirmishers  were  met  by  our  line  of  skirmishers  in  our  front, 
and  very  soon  fell  back  to  the  woods  from  which  they  emerged.  Gen- 
eral Pemberton  was  present  when  this  line  of  battle  was  formed,  and 
then  went  to  the  centre  or  left  of  the  line.  In  this  position  our 
division  remained  until  about  twelve  o'clock,  when  an  order  came  from 
General  Pemberton,  directing  General  Buford  to  be  moved  farther  to 
the  left  in  the  direction  of  the  Clinton  road,  that  he  might  take  the 
position  of  General  Bowen's  division,  which  had  been  ordered  to  the 
support  of  General  Stevenson's  division,  on  the  Clinton  road.  I  was 
ordered  to  move  my  brigade  to  the  left  at  the  same  time,  and  take  the 
position  vacated  by  General  Buford's  brigade.  This  order  was 
promptly  obeyed  by  General  Buford  and  myself.  My  brigade  re- 
mained in  this  position  until  two  or  three  o'clock  in  the  evening, 
within  hearing  of  the  guns  on  our  left,  where  the  battle  was  progress- 
ing. Up  to  this  time  no  other  demonstration  had  been  made  by  the 
enemy  on  the  Raymond  road,  e.xcept  the  one  already  mentioned. 

About  two  or  three  o'clock,  in  the  evening,  I  received  an  order  from 
General  Pemberton,  through  General  Irving,  to  move  my  brigade  to 
the  left  to  the  Clinton  road,  to  the  support  of  Generals  Bowen  and 
Stevenson,  then  engaging  the  enemy  at  that  place.  This  order  was 
promptly  obeyed  ;  General  Irving  and  myself  rode  at  the  head  of  the 
column.  We  had  a  guide  who  carried  us  the  nearest  way.  We  trav- 
elled through  the  woods  and  over  very  i^ugh  ground,  a  distance  of 
about  two  miles,  before  reaching  the  scene  of  conflict.  The  march 
was  as  rapid  as  possible  under  the  circumstances;  the  troops  moved  at 
a  double-quick  the  most  of  the  way. 

Upon  arriving  on  the  field,  we  found  a  large  number  of  stragglers 
going  to  the  rear  in  great  confusion.  General  Buford's  brigade  had 
arrived  on  the  field  some  thirty  minutes  in  advance  of  mine.  My 
brigade  was  halted  near  the  Clinton  road,  and  near  where  General 
Buford  had  foimed  a  line  of  battle.  Here  we  found  no  one  to  give  us 
directions,  or  to  tell  us  what  to  do.  General  Pemberton  was  not 
there,  and  no  one  present  could  tell  us  where  he  was.  Neither  of  the 
major  generals  who  had  been  conducting  the  battle  was  present  on 
this  part  of  the  line.  General  S.  D.  Lee  came  up  with  a  part  of  his 
brigade  and  attached  them  to  the  left  of  mine.  The  troops  on  this 
part  of  the  lino  were  then  all  placed  in  line,  and  ordered  by  General 
Irving  to  move  on  the  enemy  in  front.  After  this  line  was  formed 
and  before  the  advance  was  made,  an  order  came  from  General  Pem- 
berton to  General  Loring,  as  I  learned  from  the  latter,  informing 
him  that  he  had  ordered  his  troops  to  fall  back  to  Edwards'  depot,  and 
directing  General  Loring  to  protect  his  retreat  with  his  division. 
General  Lee  was  ordered  to  move  with  his  brigade,  as  rapidly  as  prac- 
ticable, to  the  ford  on  Baker's  Creek,  where  the  road  from  Raymond 
to  the  depot  crosses  it.  I  was  ordered,  soon  after,  to  place  ray  brigade 
in  line  of  battle,  so  as  to  hold  the  enemy  in   check,  and  to  hold  my 


28 

position    UDtil    our    troops   had    all   passed   me   in  the   direction  of 
the  depot. 

This  order  was  obeyed.  Three  regiments  were  placed  in  line  so  as 
to  cover  the  different  avenues  of  approach.  Tiiree  pieces  of  artillery 
were  held  in  the  roar,  and  kept  playing  upon  the  enemy,  who  were 
cautiously  advancing  on  our  rear,  as  well  as  on  our  right  and  left 
flanks.  As  our  army  advanced  in  front,  my  brigade,  with  the  artillery, 
was  moved  to  the  front  and  placed  in  a  new  position.  This  was  done 
twice.  In  our  last  position  the  enemy  advanced  on  our  rear,  as  well 
as  on  the  right  and  left  flinks,  and  a  brisk  skirmish  ensued,  in  which 
they  were  held  completely  in  check,  until  the  brigade  and  artillery 
were  withdrawn  slowly  and  in  good  order.  Daring  this  skirmish, 
and,  in  fact,  during  the  entire  day,  my  brigade  behaved  well.  All  or- 
ders were  promptly  obeyed,  and  an  eagerness  to  meet  the  enemy  was 
manifested  during  the  engagement  by  the  whole  command.  The  three 
pieces  of  artillery  used  by  me,  to  protect  the  retreat,  belonged  to 
Captain  Bowanchand's  battery.  They  were  well  served  ;  both  skill 
and  courage  were  shown  by  the  officers  and  men  attached  to  these 
guns.  My  last  position  on  the  field  was  not  abandoned  until  I  was 
ordered  by  Gen.  Loring  to  do  so,  and  move  my  command  towards  the 
depot  as  rapidly  as  practicable.  I  moved  my  command  to  the  Raymond 
road,  and  turnod  towards  the  ford  on  Baker's  Creek;  but  found,  on 
going  som )  half  a  mile  in  that  direction,  that  the  head  of  our  col- 
umn (Loring's  division)  had  turned  to  the  left,  leaving  the  main  road, 
and  were  then  passing  southeast,  through  an  open  field,  in  a  direction 
down  Baker's  Creek.  I  followed  the  column  with  my  brigade.  Gen. 
Buford's  brigade  was  in  front.  1  rode  to  the  head  of  the  column,  and 
learned  ft'om  General  Loring  that  the  enemy  were  in  possession  of 
the  ford  on  Baker's  Creek,  where  we  expected  to  cross  on  the  Ray- 
mond road.  This  occurred  about  sunset,  or,  perhaps,  a  little  later. 
I  learned  from  General  Loring  that  he  had  procured  the  services  of 
Dr.  Williamson  as  a  guide,  and  intended  to  find  a  crossing  somewhere 
below  on  Baker's  Creek,  and  then  endeavor  to  cross  Big  Black  at  the 
railroad  bridge,  or  some  place  south  of  that,  and  join  the  main  body 
of  our  troops  on  the  other  side.  Dr.  Williamson  was  an  old  citizen 
of  the  country,  living  at  Edwards'  depot,  and  knew  well  the  character 
of  the  country  and  the  fords  and  ferries  on  Big  Black  and  Baker's 
Creek.  He  was  intelligent  and  reliable.  As  our  column  moved  off 
from  the  Raymond  road  to  the  southeast,  we  discovered,  a  little  after 
sunset,  a  large  fire  at  the  depot,  which  was  supposed  to  be  the  depot 
buildings  fired  by  the  enemy.  Dr.  Williamson  led  the  column  by  a 
blind  path  through  a  very  rough  country,  down  Baker's  Creek  to  Mr. 
Harvey's,  near  the  ford  on  the  road  leading  from  Edwards'  depot  to 
Auburn.  Here  we  halted,  and  consulted  with  Mr.  Harvey  as  to  the 
propriety  of  crossing  Baker's  Creek  at  this  ford.  Mr.  Harvey  in- 
formed General  Loring  that  sixty  regiments  had  passed  down  the 
creek  that  day  or  the  day  before.  Harvey  was  unwilling  to  pilot  our 
column  from  Baker's  Creek  to  Big  Black  ;  he  professed  not  to  be  able 
to  do  so.  Dr.  Williamson  was  unable  to  pilot  us  beyond  this  point, 
and  thought  it  impossible  for  us  to  get  through  the  swamp  on  this  side 


29 

of  the  Big  Black,  so  as  to  a.trike  the  stream  anywhere  below  the 
briilge,  unless  we  went  as  low  down  as  Baldwin's  ferry.  At  this  ferry 
we  had  no  means  of  crossing  the  stream,  provided  wo  could  reach  it 
without  encountering  a  heavy  column  of  the  enemy.  Upon  codsuU- 
ing  with  General  Buford  and  myself,  General  Loring  determined  to 
take  the  road  to  Crystal  Springs,  and  thence  to  Jackson,  as  the  safest 
and  surest.  Such  seemed  to  be  the  opinion  of  all  that  were  called 
into  the  consultation.  The,  c:)lumn  was  then  moved  forward,  all 
night  on  Saturday  and  all  day  on  Sunday.  Sunday  night  it  was 
halted  near  the  Crystal  Springs,  and  rested  until  ten  o'clock,  on  Mon- 
day, when  the  march  was  continued,  by  easy  advances,  to  this  place. 
The  march  from  the  battle-field  to  Crystal  Springs,  running  throuo-h 
the  entire  night  and  day,  was  a  very  hard  and  laborious  one,  but 
borne  by  the  troops  with  fortitude  and  determination.  I  was  then 
and  am  now,  of  the  opinion,  that  this  division  having  been  thrown 
in  the  rear,  and  held  there,  protecting  the  retreat  until  the  enemy 
had  gained  possession  of  the  ford  on  the  Raymond  road,  and  of  the 
bridge  on  the  Clinton  road,  the  only  direction  in  which  we  could 
move  so  as  to  save  the  division,  or  at  least  to  prevent  great  loss, 
was  the  road  taken  to  Crystal  Springs.  To  have  attempted  to 
march  into  our  lines  at  Big  Black  without  a  guide,  and  without  the 
means  of  crossing  Big  Black  when  we  reached  it,  would  have  been 
very  hazardous. 

I  send  herewith  a  list  of  the  casualties. 
I  am,  Major,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

W.  S.  FEATRERSTON, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


'/ft.* 


pH  8.5 


